Author: Dino Biordi

What are you doing?

We live in a world of abundance. There is no need to accumulate and hold on to everything you have. When in search of a higher meaning, there is no denying that the legacy you leave in the world is all about the impact you had on others. The contribution you make to other humans will not only provide an impact in people's lives but a greater potential to impact your own life.

Security in Strata Buildings

When dealing with a new development, one of the the first assets LUNA is interested in scrutinising is the security system, specifically the Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV).

Strata Committees are pulled in many directions with regards as to where to tighten budgets or invest, and this can often stall decision-making and progress. Numerous options placed on the table and/or large upfront costs can paralyze Strata Committees; however, no blame can be placed for careful consideration. More careful consideration when decision-making is crucial - not only to result in the best outcome given the current conditions - but also to help insulate the Strata Committee from any criticism that can follow on from taking specific actions.

If you own a home in a Strata Building, to maintain the value of your asset, your top priority should be residential and community safety.

Asset Management for Building Managers

• MULTI-STOREY RESIDENTIAL STRATA BUILDINGS

• COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE BUILDINGS

• RETAIL CENTRES

A Building Manager needs to provide strategic and tactical maintenance programmes to ensure optimal operations of all plant and equipment. Creating an asset register has significant features which include allocating building assets to the balance sheet and knowing what assets and trades are required to maintain, repair and replace components.

The Building or Facilities Manager is required to understand the regulatory compliance and operations of a building to create an optimal, safe and a ordable environment.

Who does what?

SCA (NSW) is a fantastic independent organisation committed to serving the strata community through excellence. We supporter SCA's commitment to the strata industry as we identify their harmonious approach to strata communities.

Strata Community Australia (SCA) provide a range of services to the strata communities through its strong ethical standards.

Check out this great article to learn about "who does what" in the world of strata, click here

The Conscious Building Manager

LUNA was founded on the commitment to do right by people, communities, and the future of buildings. As Managing Director, my optimism for a bright future is what inspired me to cultivate a team of Building and Facilities Managers keen to add value to these three elements.

At LUNA, we believe that a well run, valued-centred business not only improves the experience for its customers, it can potentially influence the thoughts and behaviours of those within its reach to benefit the wider community, and ultimately, society as a whole. The aim with LUNA was to create a business that was going to make a positive difference to people, their homes, and their investments - not just for the present - for the entirety of their existence.

While visiting the States recently, I came across the popular Whole Foods franchise, (I recommend reading ‘Conscious Capitalism’ by Whole Foods Market cofounder John Mackey). Here was a business where the objectives were both relevant and of value to all that chose to engage with it, and their philosophy also resonated strongly within me:

“A force that enhances the health and wellbeing of all. A company that will outgrow me.”

Let down by her Community

It's heartbreaking when the elderly cannot rely on their community for help.

When we enter life on this planet, we don't have a choice but to trust our parents or guardians to protect us, keep us alive. Likewise, when we reach an advanced stage of life. We become just as fragile and need to be able to trust the community we have invested in for support and to keep us safe.

My family and I are deeply saddened about the circumstances of a partially blind elderly woman found dead in Auckland, N.Z after allegedly barricading herself in her bedroom in fear of eviction. It struck our hearts as we felt it was an unnecessary death as a result of a Strata Resident battling with Body Corporate over rising repair costs and building work delays.

"I'm still in siege mode here," she wrote in an email to a Home Owners Association.

"Still no word from anyone as to what's going on. But I guess something's going to happen, just when and how I don't know."

A legal order was given to the Body Corporate to seize the elderly lady's home. At the time of reporting police hadn’t confirmed the cause of death as the case has been referred to the Coroner.

When it comes to safety, knowledge is everything, and fortunately there is a wealth of information about RPZD's (Reduced Pressure Zone Device), AKA backflow prevention devices, available at our fingertips.

Similar to a component of a Fire Protection System in a commercial or multi-story building, an RPZD has the potential to save lives or, at least, minimise serious harm to people. It is understandable that regional and local water authorities have made it mandatory to have them installed into new build buildings with water meters larger than 25mm (medium to high hazard). Some authorities have taken the step to serve owners with a 'notice to comply' to install backflow devices retrospectively at their cost.

A backflow prevention device eliminates the potential of a cross-connection within a property between potable water and any source of contamination that can cause harm or even fatal injuries. This can occur when the water mains is at a lower pressure than the internal plumbing system causing back siphonage. Examples of where this may occur are during a burst water main, excessive water demand, and sometimes during firefighting operations.

Owners are responsible for organising a Licenced Plumber (RPZD accredited) to assess, install, and maintain their backflow prevention devices. Plumbers are also responsible for advising property owners of their backflow requirements and for installing correctly rated backflow prevention device in-line with their needs, and in accordance with the current 3500 AS/NZS Standards. All RPZD's are required to be registered, tested yearly and test results submitted to their local water authority using an online lodgement system.

Water Corporations/Authorities may inspect properties to ensure ongoing compliance with Backflow Prevention obligations are met. Failure to maintain a backflow device will result in the serving of a non-compliance notice to the property owner or occupier.

For lower hazardous situations, Vacuum Breakers or Dual Check Valves are suitable backflow prevention devices that attach to hose taps to prevent back siphonage in contaminated areas. These devices may be used on hose connections in pool areas, garbage/waste rooms, grease trap enclosures, laboratory sinks, etc.

If you are unsure of your obligations, it is always better to be safe and ask you plumber to assess your properties backflow prevention requirements. I have seen many developments with existing RPZD's that have been forgotten about, so it is also worth asking your plumber to investigate if there are existing devices that need to be put back onto your maintenance program.

Tips on how to build a positive Strata Community

Building a positive community is looking beyond yourself and your close circle of family and friends. We need to be little more tribal in the sense that we can have better success in numbers for health, security, and overall well-being. It's the building blocks of how we survived and thrived historically as humans.

I will start by sharing something special witnessed by many over the weekend. The multi-talented, yet humble, sportsman Sonny Bill Williams' star shone when he demonstrated a random act of kindness. Moments after the gold medal presentation for his Rugby World Cup win with the All Blacks, he is seen passing on his medal to a young All Blacks fan. Williams gave the boy his medal after security had tackled him for running on to the pitch seeking an autograph.

Building Managers are essential.

"Having both a good strata manager and a building manager will ultimately secure a better return on your investment," managing director of Luna Management, Dino Biordi said.

"Your home - usually your biggest investment - is far too valuable not to be managed by professionals who have your best interests at heart and can save you heartache and money.

"A building cannot operate optimally without a strong, cohesive strata and building management team. While the owners corporation give the overall direction, the strata and building manager's functions are both critical and fundamental to the operational success of any building development."

Using reliable, trustworthy, and cost-effective service providers does not guarantee a thorough vetting process if that doesn't also include a Work Health & Safety (WHS) audit.

Having a current Approved Contractor's List (also known as a Service Provider's List), is an important resource for building and facilities managers. A properly managed list ensures service providers can be enlisted effectively in the event of urgent work.

As building managers handle health, safety and welfare of all occupants, visitors and workers in common spaces within a building, it is imperative they undergo a pre-approval process. A good WHS management system will include a pre-approval process that aims to make all service providers acutely aware of their responsibilities regarding maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. It is a requirement for building managers, on behalf of the owners corporation, to ensure all service providers meet the current health, safety and environmental regulations and standards.